Why is it still so difficult to find halal food in Japan? While more restaurants claim to be halal or Muslim-friendly, differences in ingredients and preparation methods are often unclear. This article explores real challenges observed on the ground and introduces Halal Food Maps, a new platform aiming to make halal dining easier and more transparent for travelers.

From humble origins to global fame, ramen is Japan’s soul food—evolving through war, craft, and culture to unite people one bowl at a time.